James P. Kelly - Moon Idaho

Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls

Idaho is often misunderstood. When this rugged northwestern state is not being confused with Iowa, its usually the brunt of some bad potato joke. True, farmers here do grow more spuds than any other state in the country, but Idaho goes beyond russet potatoes.

Its hard to fathom the varied landscapes of Idaho and the events that caused such a geologic spectacle. I strive to comprehend this beautiful state every time I head out in search of the perfect fishing hole in Hagerman Valley or when Im crunching across a frozen lake in the Sawtooths on my snowshoes. The intense volcanic activity and major floods that helped to shape Idaho are evident at almost every bend. The basalt-hemmed cliffs along the Snake River Canyon seem like a different planet than the cedar-ringed glacial lakes in the northern Panhandle.

Central Idahos Rocky Mountains have numerous wild rivers that vein the largest roadless area in the Lower 48. The few roads that do exist in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness are jaw-chattering routes better suited for mountain bikes and bighorn sheep than they are for the family minivan. This craggy terrain poses the same challenges for modern-day explorers, decked out in high-tech clothing and holding GPS devices, as it did for the Lewis and Clark expedition more than 200 years ago. But in todays world, the Salmon River is praised by white-water rafters and not cursed for its turbulence, as it was by those early explorers in their primitive dugout canoes.

a snowy road near Cambridge

Bruneau Dunes State Park

the Tetons near Driggs

Juxtaposed with Idahos remote wilderness are thriving urban areas. Boise, the state capital, has a surprisingly mellow vibe for a city with the third-largest metropolitan population in the Northwest. The City of Trees has an exciting arts and entertainment scene, and it boasts the largest Basque population outside Spain. The Basque Block, a thriving ethnic enclave with restaurants, bars, and a museum, adds greatly to the citys cultural identity. Not far from Boise is the Snake River Valley, one of the countrys newest wine-producing appellations.

The people of Idaho are as varied as the land itself. Conservative farmers, intellectual liberals, eco-rednecks, and antigovernment types may not have much in common, yet their adoration for the remarkable landscape that surrounds them is the only common thread they need.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

fisherman on the Boise River.

Snake River Valley wine country

Where to Go

Boise

This little river city has grown leaps and bounds in recent years, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in the Northwest. Boise boasts a hip downtown area, lots of parks with big shade trees, and a major urban university. Newer urban developments, like BoDo and the Linen District, mesh well with the beautifully preserved historic neighborhoods. Boiseans are an active set thanks to the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile recreational path, and nearby Bogus Basin Ski Resort.

Southwest Idaho

Mountains, cities, remote desert, and vinifera grapes: This diverse region has it all. Snake River Valley wine country is the focal point for oenophiles who come to taste remarkable vintages made from grapes grown in the Sunny Slope area. Downtown Nampas historic Belle District contains used bookstores, antiques shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, and pubs.

Magic Valley

South-central Idaho is a strange and wonderful place. The Snake River defines the arid landscape. Hagerman Valley is a high-desert oasis with a profusion of fishing spots and commercial hot springs. At Thousand Springs, water from an ancient aquifer gushes out of the massive basalt cliffs like a faucet left on full blast. And rock climbers will surely enjoy the imposing granite pinnacles at the City of Rocks near Almo.

Idaho State Capitol and downtown Boise

Boise Depot

Southeast Idaho

Framed by the majestic Tetons looming just over the border in Wyoming, this spectacular region is a veritable playground for anglers, backpackers, and skiers. The fabled Henrys Fork of the Snake River is pure fly-fishing paradise. Pocatello and Idaho Falls offer travelers urban amenities within a few miles of remote backcountry. This part of the state also boasts the largest potato farms in North America.

Sun Valley and the Sawtooths

The high country of Idahos central Rockies is an excellent place to get away from it all, but not before you go through the ritzy